Shane is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha. The name means "peaceful" or "gentle," which reflects the calm and tranquil nature often associated with Ireland.
The name Shane has a rich history in Irish literature and culture. It was popularized by the novel "Shane" written by Jack Schaefer, published in 1949. The story follows a mysterious gunfighter named Shane who arrives in a small town to protect its inhabitants from a wealthy rancher. This novel was later adapted into a successful film starring Alan Ladd in 1953.
In addition, the name Shane is also associated with the Irish rebellion of 1798. One of the leaders of this uprising was John "Shane" Mac Shane, who fought against British rule alongside other Irish patriots.
Today, Shane is a popular given name for boys in English-speaking countries such as Ireland, England, and the United States. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including Australia and Canada.
Overall, the name Shane has a strong connection to Irish history and culture while also carrying a positive meaning that reflects its peaceful and gentle nature.
The name Shane has seen a significant shift in popularity over the decades in the United States. Between 1933 and 1946, the number of babies named Shane remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year. However, starting in 1947, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Shane, with 20 births recorded that year.
The popularity of the name Shane peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1968, there were 2513 births, marking the first time the name appeared in the top 1000 names for boys. The following year, there were 3531 births, making Shane the 485th most popular boy's name. This trend continued throughout the 1970s, with the number of babies named Shane reaching a high of 5711 in 1973, placing it among the top 250 names for boys.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after the 1970s. By the 1980s and 1990s, the number of babies named Shane fell significantly, with fewer than 4000 births recorded per year between 1981 and 2000.
In recent years, the name Shane has continued to see a decline in popularity. In 2022, there were only 525 births recorded for boys named Shane, marking a significant drop from its peak in the 1970s. Overall, between 1933 and 2023, there have been a total of 191,658 babies named Shane born in the United States.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Shane remains distinctive and timeless. It is a name that has been worn by notable figures throughout history, such as Shane Warne, the Australian cricket player, and Shane Meadows, the English film director.